Men's reading group featured on MinnPost

See what reporter Sarah Williams has to say on MinnPost about the Grand Rapids Men's Reading Group after her visit with them this summer. They meet monthly at the Library and are open to new members.

Ghost stories @ GRAL

Author Michael Norman spoke to a capacity audience about his book: The Nearly Departed: Minnesota Ghost Stories and Legends featuring a collection of firsthand accounts from across the state.

Davies Theater packed for visiting author

Adam Shepard, author of Scratch Beginnings: Me $25, and the Search for the American Dream spoke to a standing room only crowd at Itasca Community College. The book is the author's story of starting truly from scratch in Charleston, South Carolina, with $25 and the clothes on his back. Shepard talked about his book, answered questions from the audience, and participated in a panel discussion with participants from Circles of Support regarding the challenges of living on low-wage work in Itasca County.

Happy birthday

Happy birthday to Grand Rapids Area Library volunteer Joanne Dashel!

Fine Free Fridays

Fridays in September 4, 11, 18, 25



All check-ins are exempt from fines.



You can request up to $10 removed from your fine balance.



Fines = late returned books, NOT lost books or collection charges.

Library Catalog Basics

Learn how to access the library and regional catalog, explore basic and advanced search options, and manage your library account via computer.

Pick from four sessions in September:

8th 7-8 P.M.

9th 10-11 A.M.

29th 7-8 P.M.

30th 10-11 A.M.

Please sign up in advance at the Reference Desk

Grand Rapids Area Library's Latest Superstar

Mister Cody - also known as pal of mine - is the most recent addition to GRAL's all-star roster of volunteers. Cody has been working with Darla and Tracy in the Children's Library shelving books and other library materials. A special thank you to Cody for all his hard work during a busy summer which included a record number of summer reading program participants.

Cake Decorating @ GRAL!

A special thanks to Michelle and Curtis Johnson for putting on a sweet program!

Teen Summer Reading Grand Prize Winner!

Congratulations to Sondra S. - winner of a PSP. Her name was drawn from over 125 entries. Thank you to the the Friends of the Library for the funds to purchase the grand prize.

Pictures of the MUSIC FOR KIDS concert with Hans Mayer

Gigantic Used Book Sale for GRAL

July 31- August 2

Tall Timber Days

Central Square Mall

Book Donations Wanted

Drop off new & used books at the Library before July 29, 2009. (Please, no books that smell like the attic, basement or garage! No mold or mildew!)

Volunteers Needed

Preparations are under way for this year's Tall Timber Days used book sale. Dedicated volunteers have been hard at work sorting and organizing books for sale. Volunteers are needed to help with set up, sales or clean-up. Contact Bonnie Henriksen at 327-8828.

Shop the sale

Bring your friends! Find great reading at bargain prices!

Summer Reading Program Update

Children's Library staff report that over 500 kids are participating in the Be Creative at Your Library Summer reading program. In fact, so many kids have enrolled that Darla and Tracy are posting sign-up stars on both sides of the Starry Night bulletin board!

Book Review Blog

Hi, this is Tandy and I use to work at the Grand Rapids Area Library. I'm now a "new" mom and I'm enjoying ever minute with my baby girl who is growing up way to fast! I wanted to share my blog that I recently set up for book reviews. You'll probably find me reviewing a movie and/or music artist as well.

Click the Book End to read the first book review.

More Books for iPods!

The number of downloadable books in our catalog available for iPods just increased significantly. For all of you who have iPods and really like to listen to books, you now have a great selection! There are well over 2500 titles in the collection.
Go to the Grand Rapids lLibrary’s website at www.grandrapids.lib.mn.us and look for the button: Online Resources on the left side of the page, then click on Audio Books You can read the instructions, search for books, download the required software, download the book and you are on your way! The audio book catalog includes icons showing whether it can be played on a PC, Mac, iPod, iPhone or burned to CD.

Summer Reading Program: Book Camp

Summer Adult Reading Program

BINGO - just for fun Summer reading for adults!

Please stop by the reference desk and pick-up a Summer reading BINGO card. Score a BINGO by reading five books from the various genres listed. When your BINGO card is complete, come to the reference desk and claim your prize!

Name the dragon contest

Help us name the newest addition to our Young Adult section and win fabulous prizes! It's easy - just stop by the Teen Universe and fill out an entry form. The winner will be announced June 29th. The grand prize is a gift certificate for Brewed Awakenings Gelato!

"Be Creative At Your Library" Masks!

Reading Kits

We have 4 reading kits available for checkout. A kit consists of 5 copies of a book. Titles that we have purchased so far: "The Book Thief" by Marcus Zusak, "Here, There Be Dragons" by James A. Owen, and "The Darkangel" by Meredith Pierce, and "Stormbreaker" by Anthony Horowitz. Most of the titles are considered Young Adult, but "The Book Thief" has been popular with adult reading groups. Stop in and ask about the reading kits! Thank you Library Foundation for the funds to purchase the kits.

CCC Camps

Stop in the library to see the large 8-panel display about Civilian Conservation Corps camps in Minnesota. You'll learn where the camps were located, what projects "the boys" worked on, and even see a sample food menu! If the display leaves you hungry for more about the CCC, come to a program on Thursday May 21. Bill Jamerson presents a multimedia presentation that includes story telling, reading excerpts from his novel and playing original songs with his guitar. A short video presentation will take place in the library at 6:00pm with the rest of the program in the KAXE Rotary Tent starting at 6:30pm.